What do we know about Ananias
- Was not a superhero
- He was disciple
- Not an Apostle
- Was considered a layman
May have been a church leader in Damascus
Was ready and willing to be used by God
- Acts 22:12
- Was a Godly man and well respected by the Jews of Damascus
- Acts 23:2
- Not the same as the High Priest Ananias
Acts 9: 13-14
What does Ananias know about Saul
- Frightening
- He knew that Saul kills people like him
- He would have known Saul's position
- He knew that Saul was en route with a license to arrest every believer
Acts 9:15-16
How does God deal with Ananias?
- He commands him
- There is an aspect of reassurance - "Saul is my chosen instrument."
- Compare with God and Moses at the burning bush:
- God promised to be with Moses
- Christ promised the Holy Spirit to be with us
- We sometimes don't want to go where God leads "kicking against the goads."
- But God deals with us, as he did Moses and others:
- Persistent / consistent
- Patient
- Like a parent to a child
- God provided tools, proofs, comforts, etc. - Grace
- Grace is how God deals with us
Acts 9:17-19
How could have/did Ananias treat Paul?
- Would be inclined to be bitter/rude
- Would have a bone to pick
- Would be afraid or timid?
- First word out of his mouth is Brother - this reflects the Christian attitude.
- What does this teach us?
- This is like the climax to the Christian story.
- Themes of forgiveness, grace, love, new beginnings, true brotherhood.
- We have leave anger aside
- We have to keep focus on our real goal on Earth
- Only a Christian has the ability to genuinely forgive and simultaneously rejoice at the conversion of a man who had once been our personal enemy.
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